The selected entity will: Encourage destination stewardship through balancing the needs of the destination and the Salem community at large and incorporating sustainable tourism values. Collaborate and/or lead initiatives with the City and local partners that serve the tourism economy and its sustainability, including advocacy on behalf of the tourism sector in the community. Assist in implementation of the City’s programs, policies, ordinances, and other measures that may relate to travel, tourism, marketing, and visitor services. Collaborate with the City in the planning and implementation of plans related to Salem 400+, the City’s quadricentennial celebrations in 2026. Create and/or maintain progress on overall strategy for tourism planning, development, and marketing, adjusting it as needed to incorporate sustainable tourism and destination stewardship principles. Page 17 of 24 Market the destination outside of Salem to regional, national, and international visitors, as well as continue to include tourism-related City-owned properties in visitor guides and to market City-produced community events taking place in Salem that support resident and tourist engagement. Develop and distribute an annual Visitors Guide in print and online. Respond to calls for information requests, directions, press inquiries, etc. Organize and implement familiarization trips for press and tour operators. Maintain social media accounts and a website with a calendar of events and coordinate the information thereon with other websites advertising events in Salem and prioritize digital media language and visual accessibility. Collect and analyze data, whether via organization efforts and/or working with a data collection entity, to determine tourism trends and visitor habits to support the destination. Share non-proprietary data with the City and local partners who assist in tourism planning, development, and business support. Assess the experiences and impact (positive and negative) that October tourism has on local businesses through the business surveys, October debrief meetings, and the like and use this information to assist the City and local partners in strategizing management tools to improve the community and visitor experience.
